Day 6- Free Day

Free Day. Thank goodness. After yesterday's stressors and tears (both from baby and mom) we had a day off today while other families traveled to their kiddos cities of origin to apply for passports. That's the one saving grace of yesterday afternoon's visit with the police director- at least we didn't have a 4 hour car ride one way to do it.

What did we do with our time? We enjoyed it.

We all slept in a little. This meant 6am for Sarah and Chris and 7am for Maddy.  However, we have learned Maddy is not a morning person. She stretches and squawks and refuses to open her eyes until absolutely necessary which is then followed by some crying.  (Should be fun when she's a teenager...)

We actually did fun stuff. We bought a cheap stroller and headed to a nearby park and later to Carrefor (French version of Target in China). Both were interesting experiences. In the park we encountered many curious Chinese who asked us about our daughter. In Chinese. This led to lots of hand gestures capped off by a 'thumbs up' by both parties. We were thanked by one man who spoke English. Amid the gardens and waterlilies, we found a roller skating rink with American techno music and lots of tai chi. At the Carrefor, we were the only white people in the building but the employees were very kind and several were happy to practice their English with us.

Maddy and I are doing better. While Chris is still the favorite parent, she happily lets me feed her, is starting to come to me voluntarily and allowed me to comfort her when she awoke partly through her nap so that she could go back to sleep.  She prefers for Chris to put her to bed, for which I can't blame her. He is warm and snuggly and she is moving to Minnesota where those are valuable commodities. Pretty smart move if you ask me.

So, all in all, today was a good day. Tomorrow we are going to visit the special care unit where Maddy was cared for immediately after she was found until August the following year. While it will be difficult to see little ones without families, we want to have as much knowledge of our girl's history as possible and want to thank the nurses who cared for her, if possible.

It is incredible how much we love this little girl. We fell in love with her little face last February but that was nothing compared to seeing her walk in administration room with her little pigtails, big brown eyes and rosebud mouth. And then to hear her voice and know her personality- wow.  She is so special and filled with a spark you cannot believe. Someone asked us if we knew what the Chinese word for 'firecracker' is because that's what she is.  But the most incredible part is --- she's ours.

*Thank you to our family and friends for the comments, emails and prayers. This buoys our spirits when we are wondering if we're doing things right and helps us feel connected to home.


Love,
S

Walking in the park. Finally out of the hotel!

Trying on Mama's sunglasses. Hot stuff!

Really, Dad? Another picture?

Family visit at the park. 

Yep, I got them to buy me bubbles and a pinwheel. It pays to be cute. 

Our room is hot! Diapers only for playtime.